Best Dyson Cordless Vacuums [Buyers’ Guide]

Vacuuming is a chore that hardly anyone loves. It takes up a good hour, maybe, even more, depending on the size of your home. Before you know it, a better chunk of the morning has flown by on your day off. The only thing you may look forward to when it comes to vacuuming is how soon you can get done with it.

This is where you’ll see the difference in the performance of vacuums from different manufacturers. Where some shine, others turn the cleaning process into a loud and cumbersome ordeal. For many years, Dyson has specialized in the former.

Dyson got into the vacuum cleaner manufacturing business sometime in the 1980s. Since then, the name has turned into a brand that embodies quality in household appliances. When buying a Dyson vacuum cleaner, customers know that they are buying a reliable appliance that excels in quality and technology.

The trouble is, with a plethora of models and sub-models in its
portfolio, customers may often find themselves overwhelmed by the options. This
guide will introduce you to the world of Dyson cordless vacuums and help you
determine which Dyson is best for you.

Why Should You Choose Dyson Cordless Vacuums?

Before Dyson, no one imagined that bagless vacuums would one day be a thing. Dyson, however, not only incorporated many such inventions into its vacuums, but it also proved their efficiency through performance. Dyson vacuums have redefined household cleaning with their bagless dirt disposal, Cyclone technology, tangle-free turbines, and innovative design.

But what does all this mean when it comes to cleaning
efficiency? And why should any of it matter when you can find hundreds of
cheaper vacuums on the market?

Dyson’s patented Cyclone technology sucks the dirt-riddled
air through the vacuum head and channels it through cones present at the top of
the dust chamber. As the air flows inside these cones, it generates a spiraling
pressure that expels the dirt residue to the nearby dustbin. Dyson has
continuously been at work on its Cyclone technology, ironing out its kinks over
the years and enhancing its efficiency.

2018 was the year that saw a radical shift in Dyson’s
strategic direction when the company revealed that it intended to discontinue
the entirety of its corded product line. It would, instead, focus on a new
generation of cordless vacuum cleaners.

Cordless vacuums up until that point had been leagues behind
their corded counterparts in terms of performance. The suction power on
cordless designs was low, and they failed to provide sufficient value to be
considered as viable alternatives to plug-in versions. Dyson’s decision to
replace the plug-ins with cordless vacuums was a risky move that paid off owing
to their ability to compete with the best cordless versions on all fronts.

Cordless and, more recently, handheld vacuum cleaners allow
users to clean even those hard-to-reach areas that a conventional vacuum fails
to reach. Cordless models often come with an adjustable handle and a rotating
head that pivots around its axis to reach difficult areas like underneath the
sofa and cabinet tops. Dyson’s products also feature powerful digital motors
that produce tremendous suction power, pitting them against some of the
strongest corded vacuums.

How to Choose Dyson Cordless Vacuums?

Even with no new corded models being released, Dyson still
sells its original lineup of corded vacuums. This significantly adds to the
number of products Dyson has to offer. The company offers five different
lineups of vacuum cleaners, each possessing its own set of features.

Therefore, it is important for potential customers to become
acquainted with Dyson’s different product types and names in order to select
the right product for their needs. Two things that don’t change across the five
product types are Dyson’s patented bagless design and its Cyclone technology.

Upright Ball Vacuums

This is Dyson’s original line of corded vacuum cleaners, which has been tweaked and upgraded through the years. A benefit of being corded is that they pack incredibly powerful motors, making them clean powerhouses. This motor is housed inside the ball-like structure that can pivot on its axis, allowing users to easily change direction.

However, upright vacuums are heavier than Dyson’s cordless
models. Their weight, large form factor, and cord restriction make them
unsuitable for stairs and other difficult areas.

Cylinder Vacuums

Cylinder vacuums are very much like traditional vacuum cleaners that we are used to seeing. They comprise of two separate pieces, the main body, and the cleaning head, linked together by a flexible tube. The main body of the machine houses the motor, cleaning filters, and the dirt chamber.

These are more suitable for hard-to-reach areas as the
cleaning head can reach difficult areas under the sofas and can easily be
lifted to clean overhead spaces.

Cordless Stick Vacuums

We have already gone over this type in some detail. Dyson’s stick vacuums are part of its cordless lineup. Rather than a power cord, these vacuums run on a rechargeable battery. The absence of a heavy motor makes them considerably lighter and extremely maneuverable. This proves to be great for cleaning stairs and other difficult areas.

However, the cordless vacuum’s sleek form comes at a price. It
has smaller dirt chambers and a smaller coverage area as compared to corded
models owing to the rechargeable battery.

Handheld Cordless Vacuums

These extremely lightweight vacuums are the epitome of
portability. You can’t carry a full-sized vacuum cleaner everywhere, even a
cordless stick one. Handheld cordless vacuums are great for cleaning small
areas like car interiors and upholstery and for detailing furniture.

All handheld cordless vacuums Dyson offers are older models
that feature very small dirt chambers and have average suction power. They are
great as additional cleaners but cannot replace corded upright or cordless
stick vacuums.

Cordless Robot Vacuums

Launched in 2016, Dyson’s robot vacuum finds its way around
the house, removing dirt particles as it zooms by. Although robot vacuums are not
powerful enough to clean stubborn dirt particles, they will leave your house
looking clean. They cannot replace regular vacuums but will reduce the
frequency with which you have to use them.

Key to Choosing the Ideal Dyson Cordless Vacuums

Cordless vacuums are the future of household cleaning as
Dyson sees it. There is a wide variety of cordless vacuums in Dyson’s
portfolio, all of which were not made for the same purpose. Neither are all
cordless vacuums made equal; where some may excel at particular aspects of
cleaning, they may lag behind in others.

The following are the primary aspects of cordless cleaners where they may differ from other machines in the lineup. Users must assess each aspect to determine the best Dyson cordless vacuums for their needs.

Vacuum Power

Dyson cordless vacuums come in various forms, and not all of
them are alike in terms of power. For instance, handheld vacuums are less
powerful than stick vacuums. Similarly, some stick vacuums are more powerful
than others. Dyson’s cordless stick cleaners come in five variants, from V7 to
V11, all of which have increasingly powerful motors.

When selecting a cordless vacuum, you must determine how
much power will be sufficient for your needs so that you can avoid spending a
lot of money on a vacuum cleaner that is overkill.

An example of this would be purchasing a V10 cordless vacuum
when you only have to clean hardwood floors that do not require a lot of
suction power. By doing this, you end up spending more money than you needed to
in order to meet your cleaning requirements.

Battery Life

This is another important aspect that you need to consider.
Cleaning larger areas will require cordless vacuums to have a larger battery in
order to complete the vacuuming task with a single charge. Much like the vacuum
power, the higher the voltage number on the vacuum, the bigger its battery will
be.

Knowing how much battery runtime you will need is important
for a few reasons. First of all, a smaller battery would mean that you have to
recharge the vacuum multiple times to clean a large house. Secondly, Dyson
vacuums can be operated at different power modes with a variety of powered
attachments. A vacuum that lasts 30 minutes on Auto mode may last 60 minutes on
Eco mode and a bare 10 minutes on Power mode.

These will be important considerations when you are
purchasing a cordless vacuum. Figure out where you will be using the vacuum and
how you will be using it so that you do not end up getting a vacuum that does
not satisfy your needs.

Model

Dyson’s cordless vacuums, as we all know by now, come in a
variety of categories and sub-categories. For example, the cordless stick
vacuum is one category, while the cordless handheld is another. Cordless stick
vacuums further come in a number of models, from V7 to V11.

What we haven’t touched on yet but will do later in this
article is that each of these models also comes in 3 variants with varying
functionalities. These include the Motorhead, the Animal, and the Absolute.

The cordless vacuum that is best for you will be determined
by the size of the area you want to clean and the type of surfaces you will be
cleaning.

Air Filtration

The air filtration feature on newer cordless vacuums helps
cleanse the air of allergens that your family members may be sensitive to. If
you live with someone who suffers from asthma or allergies, cordless vacuums
with an air filtration system will be a great choice for you.

Selecting a vacuum with air filtration shouldn’t be a
problem as all stick vacuums except the V7 come with an integrated air
filtration system. However, if no one in the household suffers from allergies
or asthma, you can save a good few bucks by purchasing the V7 rather than a
higher-end model.

Tips for Maintaining Your Dyson Cordless Vacuums

Dyson cordless vacuums are long-lasting and reliable as long as you take care of them. Of course, there are the basics that you most probably will do after each use, like emptying the dirt cabin. However, with continued use, dirt particles may often get stuck in the cleaner head and can even find their way into the filter. The brush head should be inspected after each use and cleaned if there are any dirt particles stuck in it. The vacuum filter should also be washed ideally once a month. Read Here:How to fix Dyson V6 that keeps stopping and starting

Things to Consider When Purchasing Dyson Cordless Vacuums

It is easy to get excited and go overboard when purchasing a
new cordless vacuum. You may also end up purchasing one at a higher price point
than what you could have bought it for. Dyson cordless vacuums are a
considerable investment, so take a step back and go through these factors before
you make a decision:

Attachments

Dyson goes overboard with its attachments and you will be tempted to as well. Each variant of its primary stick vacuum model comes with a selection of accessories that serve different purposes. However, many of these accessories maybe those that you can live without.

Thus, before you consider spending a hefty amount on one of
the best Dyson cordless vacuums, go through the accessories and determine if
you really need all that has been included. You could very well be throwing
away hard-earned cash on something you will not use.

Price

You can either buy a cordless vacuum at full price or buy it at a considerable discount around Black Friday. You may also find that some vendors have a particular vacuum listed at a higher price than others. It is important to shop around and do your research in order to get the best deal possible. If you are a person with incredible patience, you can wait until the sale season for a better deal.

Additionally, as with all electronics, cordless vacuums will devalue as a newer model arrives. Hence, if you have your eyes on a vacuum that you want but do not need straight away, wait for as long as possible and you might just get lucky.

V7

This is one of the earliest cordless vacuums in Dyson’s cordless
lineup, unveiled in 2017. This model comes with a dust ejector feature and has
a runtime of 20 minutes. Charging time for this vacuum is 2 hours and 20
minutes.

V8

Although more powerful in performance because of a stronger motor and a larger battery, the V8 was released in 2016, a year before the V7. It also features the dust ejector but has a longer runtime than that of V7. The V8 can function in low settings for 33 minutes, but it takes about 5 hours to recharge. Read Here: Dyson V8 Absolute review

V10

When it was launched in 2018, Dyson claimed that this model can essentially replace a corded vacuum cleaner due to its power and efficiency. This model featured significant design changes such as a bigger dirt cabin, a more powerful motor, a considerably larger battery, a wall mount, and bin-emptying functionality. The V10 can operate for a maximum of 43 minutes and requires only 3.5 hours to recharge, which is a significant upgrade from the V8.

V11

Launched in 2019, this is the most recent offering from
Dyson and also the most expensive. So expensive in comparison to the V7 and V8,
in fact, that there is debate if users can’t fulfill their cleaning
requirements sufficiently at a lower price point.

The V11 comes with a digital battery display, an auto
cleaning mode that switches between different power levels automatically
according to the surface it is being used on, and a larger, more optimized
battery. It can operate for an astonishing 60 minutes and only needs 4.5 hours
to recharge.

Types of Dyson Cordless Vacuums for Different Purposes

As mentioned above, Dyson’s cordless stick models generally come invariants: the Motorhead, the Animal, and the Absolute. The base model of each of these variants is the same, and the only things that vary are the accessories and attachments the vacuum comes with. For instance, the attachments with the Absolute make it ideal for deep cleaning, whereas the attachments with the Animal are best for households with pets.

The Motorhead variant is the basic package that comes with a basic motorized cleaner head. The Animal variant comes with a tangle-free turbine tool for efficient pet hair removal. The turbine tool comprises of two rotating discs with bristles that spin in opposite directions. As the discs spin, the bristles pull the hair to the middle of the tool, where they are sucked up by the vacuum. The Absolute variant is generally the most expensive and comes loaded with a selection of powered accessories.

Recommended Budget for Dyson Cordless Vacuums

You can expect to spend a fairly decent amount on Dyson
cordless vacuums, but that investment pays off due to their performance and
reliability. If you are after the best Dyson cordless vacuums, you can expect
to spend upwards of $600 on the V11 model. The listing price on the V10 starts
from $500, while the V8’s cost starts from $400.

That being said, you can often find these models on
discount. For instance, the V10 Animal can often be found at a discounted price
of $350, which is a considerable dip from its original price of $550 and even
cheaper than the V8 Animal at its $400 price tag. The cheapest cordless stick
vacuum can be purchased for around $300.

Keep your eyes open for discounts and you are likely to snag
a great deal on some of these.

5 Best Dyson Vacuum Cleaners Reviews

Although the V6 has now been discontinued, the Baby + Child variant still remains a favorite among users for its low price and convenient usage. Customers admire the V6 handheld’s portability and its ability to clean up a baby crib as easily as it cleans up debris from small corners.

The battery lasts for a good 20 minutes, which customers have noted is sufficient for light cleaning activities. Some customers complained about the vacuum losing suction after a few months. This is probably because of a clogged filter. Filters should be washed every month to prolong the vacuum’s life.

Key Features

The V6 features a fade-free battery, which ensures that the suction power does not deteriorate even on a low battery. It comes with a wide nozzle, crevice, combination, and stiff brush tools to clean food spills and debris buildups in cribs and other corners.

Specifications

V10 was the vacuum that changed the game for Dyson with its
powerful performance. With a 60-minute runtime, it is one of the best Dyson
cordless vacuums on the market.

The Cyclone V10 Animal provides exceptional value, making it
a favorite among customers. Its powerful suction and a 60-minute runtime take
care of all the basic household cleaning needs.

As with many vacuum cleaners, a handful of customers
complained about the V10 losing suction after a couple of years. In most cases,
such issues are caused by a vacuum filter that has not been maintained
regularly.

Key Features

The torque drive cleaner head included with the V10 Animal
dislodges dirt particles from deep within the carpet fibers. The V10 was also the
first vacuum to come with a vertical dirt release, which reduces the chances of
users coming into contact with the dirt as the chamber is emptied.

Specifications

Ball Animal 2 is one of the most powerful corded vacuum cleaners in the Dyson lineup. It works as effectively on the carpet as it does on wood and tile floors.

Customers were incredibly impressed by the Ball Animal 2’s
suction capability on hard floors. You can feel the powerful suction as it
lifts even the smallest particles from hardwood floors.

Although the vacuum generally works on all surfaces, some
customers noted that it removes dirt particles from some carpets better than it
does from others.

Key Features

The vacuum’s self-adjusting head enables it to create a powerful
suction on almost all kinds of surfaces. Furthermore, it comes with a variety
of tools including a stair tool, a turbine tool for pet hair, and an adjustable
wand that extends to reach overhead areas.

Specifications

The V8 Animal comes as a perfect compromise between price
and performance, making it a longstanding favorite for homeowners.

Its powerful cleaning capability and 30-minute runtime have both been complimented by many users. Customers noted that the battery runtime is sufficient enough to clean a small home with a single charge.

Although customers generally love the V8 Animal’s
performance, some did complain about Dyson’s customer service, commenting that
warranty claim shipments are slow and can take as long as two weeks to reach.

Key Features

An efficient wall-mounted docking station holds and
recharges the V8 so that it is ready to go when you need it again. Moreover, the
extended vacuum tube can be removed with a simple click to turn the stick
vacuum into a handheld for easier cleaning.

Specifications

The V8 Absolute offers the same incredible value as its less
bulked up variant with some additional features for the discerning homeowner.

Like its counterpart, the V8 Absolute is an absolute
favorite among customers. People with hardwood floors especially appreciated
its soft nylon head, which gives it a slight edge over the Animal.

However, one customer was considerably unimpressed by the
vacuum’s 8-minute runtime on max power. On the bright side, the vacuum runs a
good 40 minutes on regular power, which is more than sufficient for cleaning moderately
heavy dirt.

Key Features

The soft nylon and carbon-fiber head cleans dirt effectively from hardwood without damaging the surface. The V8 also comes with a HEPA air filtration system that clears allergens from the surroundings, reducing risk for asthma patients.

Specifications

Conclusion

It is tricky navigating the saturated waters of Dyson’s range of cordless vacuums, but we hope this guide helps you better understand the various products. The best Dyson cordless vacuums are not the most expensive ones or those that come with the most accessories.

The best cordless vacuums are those that fulfill your cleaning requirements in the most economical way possible. The Dyson V10 is a great choice if you manage to snag a good deal. However, at the listed price, the V8 models remain the best choice for those who want a product that balances price and performance.